Memphis Depay released a music video showing Corinthians' administrative headquarters in flames. The timing made it impossible to ignore.
The video for his track "Don't Panic" came out just 24 hours after the 32-year-old Netherlands international helped Corinthians advance to the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. It appeared just days after a public contract dispute between Depay and the Sao Paulo club. According to BBC Sport, the video shows Depay watching Parque Sao Jorge, the club's administrative center, burning.
In the song, Depay does not name anyone directly but sings: "I know a vice-president who is now my enemy."
Depay moved quickly to get ahead of the backlash, saying the video was filmed "months ago." He addressed the controversy on social media, saying: "I hope its a peaceful protest where people can express what they think calmly. About my music, I insist it's just art." He also said he was "fully against any type of violence of all kind."
The timing of the release was complicated by the fact that Corinthians fans are currently protesting against the club's ownership over financial and governance concerns.
The contract dispute itself had played out publicly over the past two weeks. On August 11, Depay accused Corinthians of "unacceptable behaviour" after the club withdrew a previously agreed extension on a two-year deal he had signed in 2024. The club had decided against renewing his contract, citing financial concerns. Corinthians are currently ninth in Brazil's Serie A.
On August 18, club president Osmar Stabile announced that Depay had reduced his financial demands significantly to sign a new deal. According to ESPN Brasil, Depay agreed to waive about R$21m, roughly 2.9 million British pounds, from R$75m owed to him. The new two-year contract runs through 2028 and is worth a total of R$135m. The remaining debt of R$54m is set to be paid in four installments beginning in January 2027.
Depay has scored 20 goals in 80 appearances for Corinthians. He helped the club win the Copa do Brasil in 2025 and the Supercopa do Brasil this year. He is also the Netherlands' all-time leading goalscorer, though he failed to score in three appearances as the Netherlands exited the 2026 World Cup in the last 32.
